Cell Membrane and Transport

Front

What is the main function of the cell membrane?

Back

Regulate what enters and exits the cell.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

A solution where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

The movement of molecules across a membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Front

What role do proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins assist in transporting substances across the membrane and can act as receptors for signaling.

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their gradient.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A membrane that allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell will lose water and shrink.